# What happens the first time you open NotchStar > On first launch NotchStar adds a star to the menu bar, starts the 7 day trial and the notch opens when you move the pointer to it. Here is what you will see. Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/first-launch-notchstar/ Last updated: 2026-11-04 Published 2026-11-04. The first time you open NotchStar, a star icon appears in the menu bar and your 7 day trial starts. There is no setup screen. Move the pointer to the notch and it opens, and you can start using the tools straight away. ## The star menu Click the star in the menu bar. The menu has **About NotchStar**, **Settings** and **Quit NotchStar**. Settings is where you set the license, choose which tools show, and find options such as Show screenshots instantly. ## Permissions come later NotchStar does not ask for Calendars, Reminders or Camera when it starts. Each tool asks the first time you open it, and you can say no. If you change your mind later, see [how to allow Calendar and Reminders access](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-calendar-reminders-access-notchstar/). ## The trial clock The trial counts whole days from the first launch. During the trial the app contacts no server. See [what happens when the trial ends](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-trial-ends-what-happens/). ## Anonymous version info The first time you open the Home tab, NotchStar asks once whether to share anonymous version info. Nothing is sent unless you say yes. See [how to turn it off](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-anonymous-version-info-off/). ## Using the notch If the notch does not open, see [why the notch does not open](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-notch-does-not-open/). The [Calendar and Reminders tool](https://www.notchstar.com/features/calendar-reminders/) is the one most likely to ask for permission first. ## Quick answers. ### Does NotchStar show a setup screen the first time? No. It adds the star to the menu bar and starts your 7 day trial. Move the pointer to the notch to open it. Each tool asks for a permission only when you first use it. ## Keep reading. - [Your day, at a glance, in the notch](https://www.notchstar.com/features/calendar-reminders/): See your next events and due reminders in the notch, with calendar colours and one tap completion. Uses the accounts already in your Mac. - [What happens when the NotchStar trial ends](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-trial-ends-what-happens/): After 7 days the tool area shows a buy prompt. Your notes, clipboard and settings are not deleted or hidden. Enter a key and the tools return. - [How to allow calendar and reminders access for NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-calendar-reminders-access-notchstar/): NotchStar asks macOS for calendar access and reminders access the first time you open Home or Calendar. Click Allow on both to see your day. - [How hover opening works in NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/how-hover-opens-notchstar/): Move the pointer to the notch and NotchStar opens after a short pause of 80 milliseconds. The open panel is 660 by 296 points. Click mode is in Settings. ## More in Getting started. - [How to install NotchStar from the disk image](https://www.notchstar.com/help/install-notchstar-from-dmg/): Download the NotchStar disk image, drag the app to Applications and open it. The star appears in the menu bar and the notch is ready. - [How to check that NotchStar is notarized with spctl](https://www.notchstar.com/help/verify-notchstar-download-spctl/): Check the NotchStar download with spctl and a SHA256 checksum. Notarized apps report Notarized Developer ID, so macOS can verify who made it. - [Which macOS version does NotchStar need](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-macos-requirements/): NotchStar needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later and runs on Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Here is how to check your version and what happens on older Macs. - [Does NotchStar work on a Mac without a notch](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notch-app-on-mac-without-notch/): Yes. On a Mac without a notch NotchStar draws a small floating pill at the top centre of the screen and opens from there, with the same tools. - [Where NotchStar appears with an external display](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-on-external-display/): NotchStar sits on the built in notched screen when there is one. On a Mac without a notch it uses macOS main display. Here is what to expect. - [How hover opening works in NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/how-hover-opens-notchstar/): Move the pointer to the notch and NotchStar opens after a short pause of 80 milliseconds. The open panel is 660 by 296 points. Click mode is in Settings.